**Spurs Captain Son Honors Ange Postecoglou as a ‘Legend’ Upon Departure**
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Tottenham Hotspur’s captain, Son Heung-min, paid tribute to sacked manager Ange Postecoglou, describing him as a “legend” who had altered the course of the club’s history. This commendation came in the wake of Postecoglou’s recent dismissal, which occurred less than three weeks after he led Spurs to a significant achievement by winning the Europa League final, thereby breaking a 17-year trophy drought.
### Postecoglou’s Departure and Son’s Tribute
Ange Postecoglou, aged 59, faced dismissal after a disappointing league season, where Tottenham finished a precarious 17th in the Premier League, having lost 22 out of 38 matches. Upon his departure, Son took to Instagram to express his gratitude and admiration, stating, “Gaffer. You’ve changed the trajectory of this club.” The captain emphasized Postecoglou’s unwavering belief in the team and his vision, recalling that the manager had consistently recognized the team’s potential and instilled confidence in them from day one.
Son reflected on the profound impact Postecoglou had on his own career, saying, “You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career.” Acknowledging the privilege of learning from Postecoglou, Son added that he was grateful to have developed as both a player and a person under his leadership. In closing his message, he declared Postecoglou a “Tottenham Hotspur legend forever.”
### Support from Teammates
Son was joined by other Spurs players in honoring the influence that Postecoglou had on their professional journeys. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario expressed deep appreciation, thanking the manager for believing in him from the outset and mentioning the valuable experiences they shared, including his inclusion in the leadership group. Vicario described Postecoglou as not just a top manager but also an incredible person who would always be a mentor to him.
Defender Micky van de Ven also expressed his gratitude, stating that Postecoglou had always believed in him from the day he joined the club. He reflected on the ups and downs they endured during the past two years but noted that the manager’s faith and encouragement were pivotal to their progress. Forward Dominic Solanke added his appreciation as well, thanking Postecoglou for bringing him to Spurs and contributing to their recent trophy win.
### Fan Sentiment
The sentiments from the players echoed amongst the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, which stated that the overwhelming majority of fans would continue to appreciate Postecoglou despite the team’s shortfalls during the league season. They expressed hope that the successor to Postecoglou would receive comprehensive support from the club’s board to build upon the recently established success.
### Looking Forward
In the wake of this managerial change, speculation is rife regarding who could fill the now-vacant role. Leading contenders to replace Postecoglou include Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, while Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino are also being considered for the position. Spurs will be looking to rally and find a manager capable of continuing the trajectory of success that Postecoglou was able to achieve during his brief tenure.
In conclusion, Ange Postecoglou’s legacy at Tottenham Hotspur is marked not only by his significant accomplishment in winning a trophy but also by the impact he had on the players and fans associated with the club. Son Heung-min’s tribute encapsulates the enduring respect and admiration felt towards him, setting a hopeful tone as the club moves forward in search of new leadership.